7 Powerful Bible Verses For Fighting Temptation or Sin

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We are supposed to encourage one another, but the Bible can encourage you too, so read these 7 powerful Bible verses to use in fighting temptation or sin.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

We are supposed to encourage one another, but the Bible can encourage you too, and in this verse, the first of 7 powerful Bible verses about fighting temptation or sin is the Apostle Paul’s stating the fact that we can do all things but only through Jesus’ strengthening us. This means, we can’t do it alone. We need Christ every day…every hour.

First Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

When temptation comes, remember, God will supply a way out of every temptation that comes your way. God does not tempt us or lead us into temptation; we don’t need any help in in being swept away by our own passions and desires which lead to sin (James 1:13-15). This doesn’t mean we can’t resist temptation. One great way is memorizing Scripture. One for men who have battled with pornography for years is from Job, who wrote, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin” (Job 31:1)? When they are tempted, they cover their eyes and quote this verse.

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

We read Philippians 4:13 where Paul said we can do all things through Him, Who will strengthen us, but the opposite of that is also true. We can do nothing without Him. And nothing is not a little “something.” We cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit if we are not abiding in the Vine (Jesus) and without Him, we can do nothing of significance or of lasting value. We need Him daily…every minute of every hour!

Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

We have heard of people running into an impossible situation. Maybe you have, but with man alone, it would be impossible, but with God, all things are possible, of course within His sovereign will and good pleasure. There are few things we can do in this life that can impact eternity, but with God’s help, we can leave an imprint on the way to heaven; people we’ve lead to saving faith in Christ. We might think with some people, it’s impossible that they be saved…but then, think about the Apostle Paul…formerly Saul, the persecutor of the Church.

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

When I read this verse, I think of all the faithful saints in the Old and New Testament; saints who were faithful till the end. Even the Apostle Paul remained faithful, even to death. We can run a race with more endurance if we let off the weights of the sins we get entangled with. Sin slows us down and we lose endurance, so let us confess our sins and be cleansed and get back into the race (1 John 1:9).

First Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.”

“If food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13)

Paul, like we, knew what it meant to be tempted, but he strived to rule over his own body and not let anything dominate his life. He knew his focus was on the Great Commission, so if he knew doing something or eating something would offend his brother or sister, he’d rather go hungry. He didn’t let his own appetite dictate what is best in given situations around people.

Ephesians 4:22 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”

I notice that Paul often describes putting on and putting things off. He wants us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 13:14) while taking off the old self. He is talking about the old man…the one with the sinful nature. Even though we are saved by grace, we still sin and we all fall short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23). Paul wrote: “I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive” (1 Cor 10:23), so he was left with a decision to make. He could something beneficial but not if it offends and is not constructive. We are new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:21). The old man still shows us, but as Paul said, don’t let him dominate us (1 Cor 6:12).

Conclusion

If you are not saved, then you are in real danger of hell fire…and I mean, in immediate danger! You’re just one breath, one heartbeat or one accident away from eternity when you cannot repent anymore and be saved. That’s why today is the best day of your life to believe (2 Cor 6:2) because you might not even be here tomorrow. If Jesus Christ was to come today and you are not saved, then you must read about your own, unchangeable fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…right now, and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. If not, prepare to face God’s judgment after death, guaranteed (Heb 9:27), or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), whatever comes first. And Jesus could come back at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Bible Verses for Encouragement: 20 Great Scripture Quotes

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: Encourage, Encouragement, Fighting Temptation, Resist Sin